British Ambassador to Yemen Blames Houthis for Spread of Violence

Riyadh – British Ambassador to Yemen Edmund Brown said that Houthi rebels have failed to commit to Security Council resolutions and used force to achieve their goals.

During an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper on Monday, Brown expressed his country’s concern over reports that Iran was delivering arms to the Yemeni rebels, noting that the Persian state should join efforts to establish stability and sovereignty in the war-torn country.

Brown also said that the rebels’ attack against Yemen’s legitimacy was the main reason behind the spread of violence and terrorism.

The British ambassador called on ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh to refrain from using violent rhetoric against the international community, noting that the president’s speech and behavior have hampered peace efforts.

Brown stressed his country’s keenness on the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216, which stipulates immediate and permanent ceasefire in Yemen, the withdrawal of militias from occupied territories, the release of political prisoners and the resumption of comprehensive political negotiations.

He also noted that the United Kingdom deeply regretted the failure of peace talks in Kuwait.

“Houthis should prove their commitment to peace; we strongly support the work of U.N. Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and his great efforts to reach peace in Yemen,” the British ambassador said.

He added that the warring parties should reiterate their commitment to establish a permanent truce for the sake of the Yemeni people.

“The deteriorating humanitarian and economic situation urgently requires the continuation of peace talks in order to achieve peace,” Brown said.

He went on to say that Houthi rebels have failed to commit to international resolutions, continued to use force to achieve their goals and attacked the Saudi borders. On the other hand, Brown said, Saudi Arabia was encouraging the rebels to engage in the U.N.-led political process and stop their aggressions.

“We are also worried about the alleged violations of human rights and the implementation of the international humanitarian law,” the ambassador said.

Commenting on the Iranian role in the region, Brown expressed his country’s concern over reports of arms transfer to Yemen.

“We encourage Iran to demonstrate that it is able to be part of the solution, by promoting stability and committing to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and independence,” he said.

Brown added that a permanent solution to the Yemeni crisis should be based on UNSCR 2216, the implementation mechanism of the Gulf Initiative and the outcome of the national dialogue that was held in 2014.